Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused mainly by Aspergillus fumigatus that often results in respiratory disease in birds. Aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in captive-bred penguin species.
Currently, there is no registered vaccine to prevent aspergillosis. Animals in the vaccination and placebo groups were evaluated before the trial and followed for one year for aspergillosis detection using a diagnostic panel including computed tomography scans, capillary zone electrophoresis, 3-hydroxybutyrate levels, and anti- A.
This decrease was not observed in E. After the vaccination protocol, we found a positive correlation between anti- E. During the study period, three penguins exhibited respiratory signs consistent with aspergillosis.
Two were from the placebo group whose symptoms resolved with specific treatments, while a single vaccinated individual developed fatal respiratory aspergillosis eight months after the trial. We conclude that E. Aspergillosis is an infectious disease caused by the ubiquitous opportunistic saprophytic fungi from the genus Aspergillus , primarily Aspergillus fumigatus 1. Inhalation of fungal spores is the main route of infection in birds 2. Mycelial granulomas called aspergillomas may develop within the lungs or other organs, as well as fungal necrotizing plaques resulting in thickening of avian air sac mucosa 3 , both of which may obstruct the respiratory airways.
Predisposing factors in birds include immunosuppression causes, genetic factors, nutritional hypovitaminosis A , or infectious and toxic disorders 4 , 5. Penguins are among the most affected captive-bred bird species 6 — Yearly fatal A. Fungal loads in their environment settings are often quite high 15 , making immunosuppressed or stressed individuals, particularly at risk of developing clinical aspergillosis 2 , especially during the summer season July-September in the northern hemisphere 13 , Diagnosis in birds is challenging, and often requires a multi-tool diagnostic panel in addition to the anamnesis and clinical evaluation 16 , Treatment of aspergillosis in clinically infected penguins primarily relies on azole drug-based therapy 18 — Alternatives include terbinafine 21 , amphotericin B 22 , or other antifungals.
